Well tool



H C. OTIS WELL TOOL I5 Sheets-Sheet l :hnninillllll:

llllll-l. :Il

Original Filed Deo. l

H. C. OTIS Nov. 2, 1937.

WELL TOOL 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 'Original Filed Dec, l, 1930 Nov. 2, 1937. v H. c. oTls4 R 20,546

wam; ToorJ Original Filed nec. 1, 195o s' sheets-sheetsv Ressued Nov. 2, 1937 I `UNITED STATES PATENT', ori-ica No.- 499,372, reissue June 7, 1935,

December '1, 1930.

Application for f y Serial No. 26.671

anonima. (ci. '16a-isi This invention relates to an obstructive device adapted for use as either a plug or choke for a string of tubing located within the casing o1' a ilowing oil well operating under high pressure, in

order that the string of tubing may be withdrawn' completely from the well casing, or vshifted longitudinally within the well casing to change the position of the inlet or screen section of the tubing relative to the bottom of the'well.

Experience has proven that the position` of the inlet or screen section of a string of tubing, with respect to the bottom of the well in which the tubing is set, frequently ail'ects the oil and gas production of a flowing oil well operating under high pressure; and that by raising or lowering the string of Atubing a short distance in the well the production of both oil and gas may be varied materially.

One object of the present" invention is to provide a practical and efiicient device capable of being used as a tubing seal, or as a tubing choke, which may be readily set at any desired place in the string of tubing either to completely seal oil Said tubing or to string may be shifted longitudinally in the casing or the tubing entirely removed from the casing; and which device may be readily removed from the string of tubing without "pulling the string of tubing. f

Another object of the invention is to provide an actuating device in conjunction with a setting tool or with a pulling tool, co-operating with the obstructive device, whereby the obstructive device maybe lowered into or removed from the string of tubing and whereby the sealing or choking device may be set in the tubing or released therefrom. i

Other objects of the invention and the construction oi the device, in detail, will be fully disclosed hereinafter, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Fig. l is a longitudinal sectional elevation through a portion ofa well casing showing a string of tubing set within the casing; and the assembled actuating, setting and obstructive devices as being lowered within the said string of tubing;

Fig. 2 isla view similar to Fig. 1, but showingv an alternative manner of attaching. the setting and actuating device to the obstructive device,"

Fig. .3 is a view similar to Fig.I 1, but showing the obstructive.l device as beingwithdrawn the string of tubing by use of a pulling device interposed between the actuating and obstructive devices;

' device, to effect release reduce the flow whereby-the from 4 Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional elevation, drawn on an enlarged scale, showing the obstructive device being used as a temporary seal, for the string of tubing;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4, but showing 5 certain elements of the obstructive device removed to cause the obstructive device to function as a choke for the string of tubing;

Fig. 6 is a view similar to either Fig. 4 or Fig. 5, and showing the pulling and actuating devices in l0 operative position with respect to the obstructive of the obstructive device from the Wall of the string of tubing, to permit the obstructive device to be removed from the string of tubing; y

Fig. 7 is a sectional plan view taken on the line 'I-1, Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a sectional plan view taken on the line 9 8, Fig. 5

Fig. 9 is a sectional plan view taken on the line $0 9 9, Fig. 6;

Fig. 10 is a sectional plan view taken on the line IU-IIJ, Fig. l;

Fig. 11 is a vertical sectional View showing the shearing plug; Yand `211i Figs, 12, 13 and 14 illustrate modied forms of details of the invention.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings. a portion 'of a well casing is indicated `at I. Within the casing I is located a string of tubing 2, and 80 Within the string of tubing 2 is located an obstructive device present invention.

The obstructive device I0, see Fig. 4, comprises a mandrel I I having a central axial' bore I2 ex- 35 tending completely through the mandrel from end to end thereof. The mandrel II comprises an upper straight walled cylindrical section I3 threaded at I4, adjacent its upper end, for the reception of an externally disposed collar I5.. 40 The lower edge of the collar I5 is beveled. as inl dicated at I6, for purposes hereinafter set forth. The collar I5 is provided with a plurality of openings I1, I1, for purposes hereinafter set forth.

Below the cylindrical section I3, the mandrel II is provided with a frusto-conical section I8, around which is disposed a longitudinally split gripping element 20, composed ofY a plurality of independent segmental slip sections or dogs 2i. Each of the slip sections 2| is provided von its 50 outer peripheral surface with a plurality of annular teeth 22 which are adapted to engage the 'inner surfaceof the string of tubing 2, to maintain the obstructive device ID in a predetermined position within the string of tubing 2.

Ill, which forms the subject of the The inner surfaces 23 of the assembled segmental ,sections 2|, of the grippingelement 20, taper in accordance withthe taperv of the external surface o! the frusto-conical section IB of the mandrel II, `so that, upon relative longitudinal movement, being Aeffected between the gripping element 20 and the frusto-conical' section I8, of the mandrel |I,.the, gripping element 20 will be caused toexpand or contract, to effect either engaging or releasing movement, as the case may be, of the teeth 22,'oi' the gripping ele- "ment 23, with respect to` the inner surface of the string of tubing 2, f v

Each of the segmental slip sections 2| of the gripping element 20 is supported by a spring tongue 24 which, in the present instance, is in the form of a circular rod having one end 25 threaded into a suitably threaded opening in the upperY end of the slip section 2|, the opposite end 25 of the rod 24 being threaded into a suitably threaded opening/formed in an annular flange 21 of a slip carrier 28 which surrounds and is adapted to slide on theuppercylindrical section |3 of the mandrel II. l

The slip carrier 2B comprises a cylindrical body section 29 extendingvertically from the annular ilange 21 and is provided at ,its upper end with an annular, flange 30 having a radially undercut lower edge 3| and a plurality of openings 32 formed in and spaced circumferentially of the outer peripheral surface of the annular flange 30, for the purposes hereinafter set forth. The

upper edge of the slip carrier 28 is beveled as shown at 33.

At the-lower end of the frusto-conical section I8, the mandrel is provided with an annularv `iiange 35 and belowv the flange 35 the mandrel is provided with a lower straight walled cylindrical section 35, of relatively smallerdiameter than the flange 35 providing a shoulder 31 on the mandrel, formed by the lower face of the flange 35.

, Surrounding thelower cylindrical section 36 oi `the mandrel I-I is a plurality of cup washers 40 each having a horizontally disposed portion 4I and a, vertically disposed annular flange 42. The outer surfaces of the cup elements 40 are adapted to be forced into sealing contact with the inner surface of the string oftubing 2 to form a seal between that portionof the string of tubing lying below the obstructingl ldevice I0 and that portion of the string of tubing lying above the said obstructing device I0.

'The uppermost of the cup washers 4B abuts against the shoulder 31 on the` mandrel and is held in position by a spacing ring 45. The

` lower surface of the ring 45 provides an abutment 46 for the next lower cup washer 4D, one

of such spacing rings 45 being provided between each adjacent pair ofthe c'up washers 40.

The lowermost cup Washer 4I) is maintained in position by a locking ring 41, which is similar in construction to the spacing rings 45l with the exception that the locking ring 41 is provided with internal threads 48 that are adapted to cooperate with external threads 49 formed on the lower end of the outer surface of the lower cylindrical section -35 of the mandrel Within the bore I2 of the' mandrel Ladjacent `the lower end of the lower cylindrical section- 35 thereof, the saidV mandrel is provided with a valve or choke bushing 50 having a central bore 5| adapted to permit a flow through the obstructing device I0 under predetermined conditions. lower end of the bore 5| of the bushing 50 is bev- Thelci! said mandrel.

The lower end of the mandrel is counterbored' and threaded as illustrated at 59 for the reception of a correspondinglythreaded portion of the valve or choke'bushing 50 whereby the said valve bushing is maintained within the bore I2 of the mandrel II.

Wheny the obstructing device I0 is used as a choke within a string of tubing the retaining element 50 and the ball valve 55 are eliminated to vpermita predeterminately restricted ilow from the lower part ofA the string of tubing to the upper part thereof, through'thebore 5| of the bushing 5|! and the bore I2 of the mandrel H, the bore 5I of the bushing 5lin such case being of a predetermined diameter to. produce a predetermined choking orV restriction-oi the flow of viluid through the string of tubing 2,as clearly shown in Fig. 5.y

The obstructing device Ii), above described, is adapted Ato be introduced to,yremoved from, and operated within the string of tubing 2 without allowing the escape oi' uid pressure therefrom by the use of surface equipment, such as shown and described in my Itters Patent No. 1,874,114.

In the present instance the lowering of the obstructing device I0 into the string of tubing 2 and the setting of said device within the string of tubing is effected by means of a setting tool S5,

coupled to and carried on the lower end of an may be of copper, brass, or any other desired material. Theplugs or pins 'I0 project inwardly toward the center of the setting tool to enter either the openings I1 of the collar I5 on the upper end of the mandrel II as shown in Figs. 1, l0 and l1, or to enter the openings 32 formed in the upper annular flange 30 of the slip carrier 28, as illustrated in Fig, 2. The upper end of the setting tool 55 is provided with an inwardly 'extending annular flange B3 forming a head having a threaded opening 59 for Athe reception of the lower threaded end of a central tubular element 16, forming part of the jarring device 15.

The jarring device 15 is of a telescopic construction, -see Fig. 6, of which the tubular element 15 forms the inner element while an outer sleeve element 11 is provided to slide longitudi' nally of the inner section 16;

'Ihe outer sleeve section 11 of the telescopic jarring device 15 comprises a tubular body portion 18 having an internal annular flange 19 at its The upper surface of the internal iiange 19 v Located in each of the openings E1 1s a relatively softmetallic plug or rivet 1B which Y 20,546 provides ashoulder 8| on which the lower surface of a collar Y82, that is suitably secured, as by welding, to and adjacent the upper end of the inner section 16 of the said telescopic jarring de-v 18 is reduced in diameter, as indicated at 85, to

receive the flange 84 of the annular element 83,

' which is secured to said reduced portion of the body `element by welding, as indicated at 85.

The outer diameters of the vertically extending ange 84 and the annular element 83 are substantially equal to the outer diameter of the body portion 18of said jarring device. The central bore 88 of theannular element 83 is of a diameter slightly greater'than the outer diameter of the inner tubular section 16 of said jarring device,

' and the bore 81 of the body portion 18 of the jarring device 15 is slightly larger in diameter than the outer diameter of the collar 82 on the upper end of the inner tubular section 16 of the jarring device 15, whereby the two relatively movable sections 16 and 11 `of the telescopic jarring device 15 will be axially guided in their relative movements with respect .to each other.

The upper end of the body portion 18 of the outer sleeve section 11 of the telescopic jarring device 15 is counterbored and threaded as indicated at 88 for the reception of the threaded end 89 of a bail carrier 98. The bail carrier 98 isprovided with an annular ilange 9| providing a shoulder 92 adapted to be jammed down tightly against the surface of the upper end of the body portion 18, whereby tlie bail carrier 88 will be securely connected to the outer sleeve section 11 of the telescopic jarring device 15. In the upper open end of the Abail carrier 98 and extending acros's said carrier from side to side thereof is a 7' bail 95 to which the one end of the suspending line |88 is secured.V

The said bail carrier 98 is provided at its upper end with an' annular iiange 96having an under cut shoulder` 91 providing means by which the jarring device may be engaged by a ilshing device, forming no part of the present invention,`

' the bail carrier 98.

The assembled unit comprising the obstructing device i 8, the setting tool 65 and the jarring device 15 may be run into the string of tubing 2 in either of the two ways shown in Figs. 1 and 2 respectively. As shownin Fig. 1, the setting tool 65 is coupled at its upper end to the jarring device and at its lower end directly tothe collar I on the upper end ofthe mandrel the soft metal rivets or connecting plugs 18 passing through theopenings 61 in the setting tool 65 and into the openings |1 formed in the collar |5, thereby rigidly securing the setting tool to the mandrel of the obstruct'- Ying device.

2|, are iiexed outwardly,so thatthe said slip elements will drag along the inside surface of the tubing. The assembly is then introduced into the upper end of the string of tubing and lowered within said tubing in the manner and by the same apparatus described in my Letters Patent No.A 1,874,114 before mentioned, no flow being permitted through the string of tubing during this operation.

When the assembly has been-low`ered to the desired depth, by paying out the suspending wire |88 through the controlling mechanism located at the upper end of the string-of tubing as described in the aforesaid Letters Patent, an upward pull exerted on the suspending wire |88 will move the mandrel upwardly through the securing element 28 and the carrier 28. elements 2| of the securing element 28 are engaging lightly against the inner wall of the tubing, raising of the mandrel will cause the holding element 28 tobe expanded radially, thereby jamming the slip elements 2| against the inner wall of the tubing, which sets or anchors the obstructing element I8 against any further upward movement in yand with respect to the string of tubing 2.

Since the slip The coupling plugs 18, which connect the manting tool 65 with respect to the collar |5' of the mandrel Il, causing the connecting plugs 18 to be sheared, therebyreleasing the setting tool 65 from the said mandrel and leaving the obstructing device in its set position within the string oi' tubing, as indicated in Figs. 4 and 5.

The shearing of the connecting lugs 18 may be effected by paying out the line |88 after the obstructing device has been set until the lower surface of the outer sleeve section 11 of the jarring device 15 comes to rest on the upper surface of the internal ange 68 of the setting tool 65, whereafter a sudden upward movement of the wire |88, and consequently the said sleeve section 11, may be effectedr with respect to the inner section 16 of said jarring device, whereupon the uppery surface 8| of the ,internal flange at the connects the setting tool from the obstructing device the said setting tool and the jarring device 15 are removed from the well by manipulation of the controlling elements at the upper end of the string of tubing, in the manner described in the aforesaid Letters Patent. f.

. After the jarring device andfsetting tool have been removed from the string of tubing the valve controlling the flow of fluid through the string of tubing is opened, whereupon a iiow of fluid upwardly through the string of 'tubing starts immediatey. This iiow of uid, in trying to pass through the obstructing device when the device is used as a seal, as-in Fig. 4, raises the ball valve in the chamber 56 into engagement with the valve seat '52 at the lower end of the bushing 50 located at the lower end of the mandrel I I. Thus the flow of fluidthrough the bore I2 of the mandrel is stopped. lThe flow of fluid in attempting to pass around the closed obstructing device will cause the flange sections 42 of the cup washers 40, disposed around the outside of the mandrel II, to be forced into sealing contact with the inner surface of th e string of tubing,r thus effectively sealing the string of tubing against a flow of fluid therethrough.

The other method of running in and setting the obstructing device III in the string of tubing, whether the device is to be used as a plug or choke,

is to fasten the setting tool 55 to the slip carrierk 28 in the manner indicatedin Fig. 2, the soft metal connecting plugs 10 passing through the openings 61 in the setting tool and into the open-4 ings 32 formed in the upper annular iiange 30 of sired'depth the valve controlling the flow of fluid through the string of tubing is opened, thereby permitting a flow of fluid to start through the tubing. This upward ilow of fluid through the tubing raises the mandrel II and causes the frusto-conical section I8 thereof to expand the securing element 20,1 until `the slip elementsv 2i thereof are firmly set in gripping contact with the inner wall of the tubing, thus preventing further upward movement of the obstructing device I0, the packing cups lli at the same time being expanded into sealing contact with the inner surface of the string of tubing, thereby preventing passage of the fluid around the obstructing device I0.

If the obstructing device III'is being used as a tubing seal -or plug, the check valve or ball 55 is used `as indicated in Fig. 4 and this ball will be .raised by the upward flow of fluid through the tubing into sealing contact with the valve seat 52, thus preventing a flow of fluid through the bore I2 of the mandrel II. y

Ii the device is being used as a plug, the pressure above the assembly is then permitted to escape immediately after the plug becomes effective to stop the flow of fluid in the string of tubing, whereafter the soft metal connecting plugs 10, by which the setting tool 65 is attached to the carrier 28, maybe sheared by a relative movement between the outer slip section 11 of the jarring device 15 and the inner section 16 thereof, the lower surface of the said outer sleeve section 11 striking a hammer blow or blows against the upper surface of the internal iange of the setting tool 65, to cause the said cylindrlcal body section of the setting tool to move downwardly with respect to the flange 30 of the carrier 28, to shear completely the attachment plugs 10, there being suiilcient clearance between the lower edge of the setting tool B5 and the upper surface of the annular flange 21 of the carrier 28 to permit of the said relative movement between the cylindrical body section of the setting tool 55 and the annular ange 3l of the carrier 28.

The'downward hammering ofthe outer s'ection 11 ci the jarrlngdevice 1I tends to tighten the hold of the slip elements 2| on the inner surface of the tubing by the tendency to drive the said elements downwardly on the tapering surface of the frusto-conical surface I8 of the mandrel II.

The shearing of the attachment plugs N in this case, as in the case above described, may be eiected by an upward jarring movement of the jarring device 15, in which case the firm gripping contact of the slip elements 2| with the inner surface of the tubing will be sulcient to prevent loosening of the said elements when the jarring device isv moved upwardly to shear the attachment pins 10, connecting the carrier 28 with the setting tool 65.

The jarring device and the setting tool, after shearing of the attachment plugs 1U, are then removed from the string of tubing 2, after which the string of tubing itself may by proper manipulation of' the control heads'and other groupedv equipment connected with the well casing and the string of tubing in the manner noted in the said co-pending application maybe completely removed from the casing I or the position` of the string of tubing with respect to the casing I may I be varied to any desired extent.

If the obstructing device :I0 is to ybe used as a choke for the string of tubing the check valve 55 and the retaining element 50 thereof are eliminated, as indicated in Fig. 5.

When settingy the obstructing device, for use as a choke, the assembly is introduced into the string of tubing, in the manner above noted, and, When the desired depth is reached, a momentary flow of the well pressure through the tubing is permitted, just long enough to effect the setting of the packing cups 40 against the inner wall of the tubing, to'effect a seal therebetween, and at the same time to eiect an upward movement of the mandrel, whereby the slip elements 2i will be expanded against the inner wall of the tubing tightly enough to prevent jerking of the slip elements 2| out of holding contact with the inner wall of the'tubing by the shearing of the connecting plugs 1D, which is accomplished by the upward jarring movement of the jarring device 15, as above noted.

During the said momentary flow, the fluid will pass upwardly through the bore I 2 of the mandrel and the jarring device 15, escaping from the top of the jarring device around the bail 95 carried in the bore of the cap section 90 of said jarring device.

The shearing of the connecting plug 1D is then effected and thesetting tool and jarring device' removed from thestring of tubing in the manner above noted. After removal of the jarring device and setting tool, iiow of iiuid through the tubing andthe obstructing device Il! may be permitted for normal operation of the well.`

When it is desired to remove the obstructing device from the tubing. when the `obstructing de-A vice is being used as a choke, as for the purpose of replacing the choke for one of either larger or smaller diameter, a pulling tool IIO is applied to the inner section 15 of the jarring device 15,

. y 90,546 for the reception of the lower threaded end ofthe internal element 1B of the jarring device 15.

A hollow cylindrical body element H2 depends from the head |||fof the pulling tool |||l and is provided with parallel longitudinally extending saw-cuts H3. H3, which form in the lower end of the pulling tool, a plurality of hook elements H4, H4. In order to make the hook elements H4 resilient, the outer portion of those parts of the body element I I2 of which the hook elements Hl are'composed is milled out: as indicated at H5.

The hook elements H4 are each provided with an inwardly extending shoulder H6 radially inclined for the purpose of hooking under the radially inclined shoulder 3'I of the slip carrier 28, as

will be hereinafter described. n

The e-xtreme lower ends of the hooks H4 are' also inclined radially as indicated at H'I and the -segmental portions of the body section H2 lying intermediate the hooks H4 circumferentially of the body element H2 are beveled as indicated at IIB. These intermediate segmental sections are stiifened longitudinally by the means of ribs H9, H9 shown clearly in Fig. 7.

Assuming that the obstructing device lil is being used as a choke, as indicated in Fig. 5, and that it is desired to withdraw the device from the tubing` for the .purpose of replacing the choke bushing 50 with one ofa diiferent inside diameter, the assembled unit, including the jarring device 'I5 and pulling tool l I Il, is inserted in the manner described above, the assembly being lowered through the string of tubing on the wire |00 until the elements assume the position shown in Fig. 6, the beveled lower end of the pulling tool IIU passing downwardly around the upper collared end of the mandrel H, thence downwardly over the annular flange 30 of the slip carrier 28,

the upper end 33 of the flange 30 prevents the pulling tool catching thereon, until the underside of the head IH of the pulling tool rests on the upper surface of the collar I5 of the mandrel I I; and thelower surface of the annular element 83 of the jarring device l5 rests on the upper surface of the head HI, of the pulling tool Hll. As shown in Fig. 6, the hook shoulders H6 at such time are disposed some distancebelow the undercut shoulder 3lv of the slip carrier 2B. Th'e beveled edge i6 of the collar I5 prevents the shoulders I I6 catching on said collar.

In order to releaserthe obstructing device from the' tubing 2 the wire |00 is raised,which raises the outer sleeve section TI of the jarring device i5 accordingly, lifting the lower end of said sleeve from the upper surface of the pulling tool. Sudden release of the pulling wire Iil will permit the outer sleeve section 11 to drop and thereby strike a hammer blow on the head of the pullingdownwardly through the gripping element 20,

thereby permitting said element to contract through the action of the spring tongues 24, thus releasing the slip elements 2| from the inner surface of the string of tubing 2. When this takes place the whole device drops within the string of tubing, the undercut shoulder 3| o f the slip carrier 28 coming to rest on the radially inclined surfaces I I6 of the hooks H4 of the pulling tool H0, the mandrel H dropping within the slip carrier 2B until the lower beveled surface ||i of the collar III onthe upper en d of the mandrel rests on the beveled surface 33 at the upper end of the slip carrier 28. Th device may then be raised through the string of tubing ln the manner indicated in Fig. 3.

During this pulling operation, when'the device is used as a choke, flow of pressure through the string of tubing is arrested'by closing the control valves at the upper end of the string of tubing, thus the pressure within the string of tubing is equalized above and belowpthe obstructing device, permitting the free hammering movement of the outerI sleeve section of the jarring device and the dropping of the mandrel through the slip carrier under the influence of the hammering action set up by the said jarring device.

When the device has been used as a plug, inV

the manner indicated in Fig. 4, obviously the pressure below the obstructing device is that of the natural pressure in the well; while the pressure in the string of tubing above the obstructing device ls considerably less, and probably atmospheric. It is, therefore, necessary before commencing the hammering operation by the jarring device to produce a pressure in the string of tubing above the obstructing device which will be substantially the same as the well pressure below the obstructing device. This may be accomplished by one of a number of different ways, such, for example, as by-passing well pressureA from the casing head into the top of the tubing above the plug formed by the obstructing de- .vice l0, or by introducing, in the upper end of the string of tubing, a column of either oil or water which will be of suillcient height in the tubing above the ball to equalize the well pressure exerted on the underside of the ball valve 55, or by a combination of both methods noted. Obviously, any excess pressure introduced above the plug will pass downwardly around the ball check valve 55 until the pressures above and below the plug are substantially equalized. After equalization ofthe pressure above and below the obstructing device, within the string of tubing, has been accomplished, the jarring loose of the obstructing device may be carried out in the manner above noted.

The loosened obstructing device may then be structing device of the nature described has been successfully used as a plug in a well operating at a pressure of 1750 lbs. perA sq. in., and held a perfect seal for a period of seventy-two hours, after which the plug was removed in a few minutes by the apparatus and method above -dcscribed.

`If desired the obstructive device may be provided with braking means, such, for example, as that shown in Fig. 12, to prevent the device from moving downwardly in the tubing under its own weight should the gripping element 2U, for any reason, be released from gripping contact with the inside of the tubing when the pressure in the tubing above and below the obstructive device is substantially equal.

The braking means, in the present instance, comprises a plurality of shoes |30 spaced circumferentially of the carrier 28, intermediate the elements 2l which operatively connect the slip segments 2| to the lower flange 21 of the carrier 28. 'I'he shoes |30 are spring pressed radially outward into frictional contact with the inside of the tubing 2. In the present instance the shoes and their resilient pressing means are one and the same, each shoe |30 forming one part of a'fiat spring |3|,.the opposite ends. |32 and |33 oi which are disposed at an angle to the vertically extending shoe portion |30. The upper end |32 of the spring 3| is seated in a socket or groove |33 formed in the lower iiange 21 of the carrier 28 and is held therein and thereto 'by a screw |34 between the head of which and the spring is a flat sided washer |35. 'the flat sides of which engage the side walls of the socket groove |34 and prevent the washer from turning. When loweringlthe device into.the string of tubing when the braking elements |30 are used the jarring device 15 is permitted to rest on the upper end of the obstructive device and the added weight of the jarring device is`suf|lcient to overcome the braking action of the shoes |30, thus the whole assembly will descend within the tubing.

In Figs. 13 and 14, a mod ied form of connecting means between the slip segments 2| and the carrier 23 is illustrated. 'I'his arrangement comprises a rod v24a which preferably is not of a spring 'character but may beof cold rolled or other suitable tough but not brittle material. The upper end of the rod 24a is reduced as at 26a, and a circular flat head |36 formed on the upper end of the reduced portion. 'I'he carrier is drilled as at |31. to receive the head |36, the bore |31 being of a relatively larger diameter than the diameter of the head |36. l

A slot |38 is provided in the lower wall of the bore |31, and extends to the `under side of the flange 21 of the carrier to receive the reduced portion 28a of the rod 24a. The slot |38 does not extend to the outer peripheral surface of the flange 21, a portion |39fbeing permitted to remain to keep` the rod head |36 from moving out of the bore |31.

This arrangement permits radial movement of the slip segment 2| and its connecting rod 24a to a predetermined extent, and` permits radial swinging movement of the slip segment, the head |30 `rocking in the bore |31.

Lateral swinging movement of the slip segments 2|, however, is prevented by the reduced portions 26a of the rods 24a contacting with the side wallsl of the slots |38.

If desired the bores |31 may be radially inclined so that the rod heads |36 will, at all times, during the raising and lowering of the device, when the slip segments are not in gripping contact with the tubing, move radially inward toward the mandrel and thereby cause the slip segments to move correspondingly so that the slip segments will not contact with the tubing during the raising or lowering of the obstructive device in the tubing.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: l

1. An obstructive device for Well tubing, comprising a mandrel having a longitudinal bore extending from end,to end thereof, a cylindrical section adjacent each of the respective ends of said mandrel, a frusto-conical section intermediate said cylindrical sections, an expansible gripping element on said frusto-coni'cal section, a carrier on one of said cylindrical sections, means operatively connecting said carrier with said expansible gripping element, a collar on the carrier-supporting cylindrical section for `retaining said carrier on said cylindrical section, packing means carried by the other of said cylindrical' sections, a bushing threaded detachably and in'- terchangeably into one end of said through bore and having a bore of relatively smaller diameter than the said through bore of the mandrel, and a normally open pressure closable valve detachably mounted on the mandrel in cooperative relation to said bushing. f

2. An ,obstructive 4device for use in well tubing, said obstructive device comprising a mandrel having sealing means, slips associated wit1f1`said mandrel and expanded for engagement with the tubing by relative movement of the mandrel with relation thereto, and means for positioning the mandrel in the well tubing comprising a jarring device and frangible meansoperatively connecting the jarring device and mandrel.

3. An obstructive device for u'se in well tubing, said obstructive device comprising a mandrel having sealing means, slips associatedA with said mandrel and expanded for engagement with the tubing by relative movement of the mandrel with relation thereto, and means for positioning the mandrel in the well tubing comprising a jarring device and frangible means operatively conn/ecting the jarring device and mandrel, the frangible means directly engaging the mandrel.

4. An obstructive device for use in well tubing said obstructive device comprising a mandrel l having sealing means, slips associated with saidv mandrel and expanded for engagement with the tubing by relative movement of the mandrel with- Vdevice and frangible means operatively connecting the jarring device and mandrel, the frangible means being connected with the slips.

5. In a well tool comprising an obstructive dey vice adapted to be placed in the tubing of a well, the combination of a mandrel including a frustoconical section and an integral axially aligned cylindrical section, an expansible pipe-engaging element slidable longitudinally on said conical section, a carrier slidable longitudinally on said cylindrical section,'rneans operatively connecting said carrier and said expansible element, said pipe engaging element being adapted under relative longitudinal movement between the mandrel and said carrier to be expanded by said conical section into anchoring engagement with the inner surface of the well tubing, packing `means between the mandrel and the saidinner surface of the tubing to prevent passage of iiuid through the tubing around the outside of said obstructive device, said mandrel having a longitudinally extending opening for permitting a ilow of fluid through said obstructive device, a bushing mounted in one end of the longitudinal opening in the mandrel and having a valve seat formed therein, a valve adapted to be seated on said valve seat, and a cap on said mandrel maintaining said Valve in operative relation to said seat.

6. In a well tool comprising an obstructive device adapted to be placed in the tubing of a well. the combination of a mandrel including a frustoconical section and an integral axially aligned cylindrical section, an expansible pipe-engaging element slidable longitudinally on saidconical section, a carrier slidable longitudinally on said cylindrical section, means operatively connecting said carrier and said expansible element,- saidA pipe-engaging element being adapted under relative longitudinal movement between themandrel and said carrier to be expanded by said conical?.

section into anchoring engagement with the in-f4 ner surface of the well tubing, packing means the carrier-supporting end thereof, said carrier having a series of transverse openings above the expansibleelements carried thereby, a setting tool comprising av cylindrical body adapted` to pass over the said transversely apertured portions of said mandrel and said carrier, said cylindrical body having a series of transverse openings adapted to register respectively with the openings of one 'of the previously said series of openings, and a series of shear plugs passing respectively through the openings of said body into the series of openings registering therewith for operatively connecting the said setting tool to the obstructive device.

7. In a well tool comprising an obstructive device adapted to be placed in the tubing of a weil, the combination of a mandrel including a frustaconical section and an integral axially aligned cylindrical section, an expansible pipe-engaging element slidable longitudinally on said conical section, a carrier slidable longitudinally on said cylindrical section, means operatively connecting said carrier and said expansible element, said pipe-engaging element being adapted under relative longitudinal movement between the man-' drel and said carrier to be expanded by said conical section into anchoring engagement with the inner surface of the well tubing, packing means between the mandrel and the said inner surface of the tubing to prevent passage of fluid through the tubing around the outside of said obstructive device, said mandrel having a longitudinally extending opening for permitting a How of uid through said obstructive` device, said mandrel having a series of transverse openings adjacent the carrier-supporting end thereof, said carrier having a series of transverse openings above the expansible elements carried thereby, a setting tool comprising a cylindrical body adapted to pass over the said transversely apertured portions of said mandrel and said carrier, said cylindrical body having a series of transverse openings adapted to register respectively with the openings of one of the previously said series of openings, a series of shear plugs passing respectively through the openings of said body into the series ci openings registering therewith for operatively connecting thesaid setting tool to the obstructive device, and a jarring device operatively connected to said setting tool for effecting the` shearing of said connecting plugs.

8, In a well tool comprising an obstructive device adapted to be placed in the tubing of 'a well, the combination of a mandrel including a frusto-conical section and an integral axially aligned cylindrical section, an expansible pipeengaging. element slidable longitudinally on said conical section, a carrier slidable longitudinally on said cylindrical section, means operatively connecting said carrier and said expansible element, said pipe engaging element being adapted under relative longitudinal movement between the mandrel and said carrier to be expanded by said conical section into anchoring engagement with the inner surface ofthe well tubing, packing means between the mandrel and thel said inner surface of the tubing to prevent passage of iluid through the tubing around the outside of said 7 obstructive device, said mandrel having a longitudinally extending opening for permittinga ow o f iiuid through said obstructive ldevice. a projection on saidrcarrier, a pulling tool comprising a head adapted to rest on the upper portion of said mandrel, hook elements depending from said head around said carrier, projections on said hook elements below the projection 'on the carrier, and a jarring device adapted to deliver Va `hammer blow to said mandrel to loosen said pipe engaging clement from the inner surfaceY of said tubing whereby the projections on the hook elements will engage .the projection of the carrier to support the obstructive device.

9. An obstructive device for well tubing, comprising a mandrel having a. longitudinal bore extendingffrom end to end thereof, a cylindrical section adjacent each of the respective ends of said mandrel, a frusta-conical section intermediate said cylindrical sections, an expansible pipeengaging element on said frusto-conical section, a carrier on one of said cylindrical sections, means operatively connecting said carrier with said expansible pipe-engaging element, a collar on the carrier-supporting cylindrical section for retaining said carrier en said cylindrical section, packing means carried by the other of said cylindrical sections, a bushing threaded intobne end lof said through bore and having a bore of relatively smaller diameter than the said through bore of the mandrel, a ball valve adapted to be seated in the lower end of the bore of said bushing, and an apertured cap on the said mandrel providing a chamber for said ball valve.

10. An obstructive device for use within the bore of a flow string of tubing in a well having means for connecting it with a wire line running device, said obstructive device comprising a mandrel freely movable within and with respect to said' tubing and including a frusto-conical section arranged with the smaller end thereof uppermost, a cylindrical section formed integral with and projecting upwardly 'from the said t smaller end of vsaid frusto-conical section, radially expansible pipe-engaging means freely movable on and longitudinally of said frusto-conical section, said pipe-engaging means comprising a plurality of segmental dogs, a carrier freely and slidably mounted on said cylindrical section, means for suspendingly connecting each of said segments to said carrier, means on the upper end of said cylindrical section for limiting the upward movement of said carrier on said cylindrical section, said limiting means having provision for the attachment of a setting tool, and radially expansible packing means on said mandrel below said pipe-engaging means and arranged to be expanded into sealing contact with theinner vsurface of the tubing and to move said mandrel upwardly with respect 'to said pipe-engaging means to expand the same into anchoring engagement with the inner surface of the tubing by fluid pressure trapped in the string of tubing by and below said obstructive device, said mandrel pipe-engaging element slidable longitudinally on" said conical section, a carrier slidable longitudielement being adapted under relative longitudinal movement between the mandrel and said carrier to be expanded by said conical section into anchoring engagement with the inner surface of the well tubing,'packing means between the mandrel and the said inner surface of the tubing to prevent passage of iluid through the tubing around the/outside of said obstructive device, said mandrel having a longitudinally extending opening for permitting a now of fluid through said obstructive device, and means for controlling said iluid iiow, comprising a detachable and interchangeable bushing disposed in the` longitudinal opening of the mandrel and having y a bore of smaller area than said opening and a normally open pressure closed valve element detachably mounted on said mandrel in cooperative relation to said bushing.

12. In a well tool including an obstructive device arranged to be run into and out of a well on a wire line. the combination of a mandrel carrying an expansible sealing means to prevent ow around 'the mandrel,v,a detachably mounted choke to restrict rate of iiuid passage through the mandrel, means for positioning the tool at any desired depth in the tubing, and means for engagement with a removing tool runnable on a wire line, whereby the well tool may be removed through the tubing on said wire line.

13. In a well tool including an obstructive device arranged to be run into and out of a well on a wire line, the combination of a mandrel carrying an expansible sealing means to prevent flow around the mandrel, detachable means to re- -strict rate of ,fluid passage through the mandrel,

means for positioning the tool at any desired depth in the tubing, and means for engagement with a removing tool runnable on a wire line, whereby the well tool may be removed through the tubing on said wire line.

14. In a well tool comprising anl obstructive device arranged to be run into and out of a well on a wire line, the combination of a mandrel carrying an expansible sealing means to prevent ilow around the mandrel, a detachably mounted choke to restrict rate of fluid passage through the mandrel, means for positioning the tool at any desired depth in the tubing, and means for engagement with a removing tool runnable on a wire line, whereby the well tool may be removed through the tubing on said wire line, said gripping means being movable to a retracted position withoutv relative rotation with respect to the mandrel whereby the tool may be removed from the tubing.

15. In a well tool including an obstructive device having means for connecting it with a wire line running device for running it into and out oi a well, the combination of a mandrel including a frusto-conical section and an integral axially alined cylindrical section, an expansible gripping element slidable longitudinally on said conical section, a carrier slidable longitudinally on said cylindrical section, means operatively connecting said carrier and said expansiblegripping element, said gripping element being adapted under relative longitudinal movement between the mandrel and said carrier to be expanded by said conical section into gripping contact with vthe inner surface of the well tubing, packing means between the mandrel and the said inner surface of the tubing to prevent passage of fluid through the tubing around the outside oi said obstructive device, said mandrel having a longitudinally extending opening for permitting a flow of :fluid through said obstructive device, and means detachably and interchangeably mounted on said mandrel rfor restricting the ilow Aof fluid through said longitudinal opening.

16. In a well tool including an obstructive device having means for connecting it with a wire line runnin-g device for running it into and out of a well, the combination of a mandrel including a frusto-conical section and an integral axially aimed cylindrical section, an expansible pipeengaging element slidable longitudinally on said conical section, a carrier slidable longitudinally on said cylindrical section, means operatively connecting said carrier and said expansible pipeengaging element, said pipe-engaging element being adapted under relative longitudinal movement between the mandrel and said carrier to be expanded by said conical section into anchoring engagement with the inner surface -of the well tubing, packing means between the mandrel and the said inner surface of the tubing to prevent passage of fluidlthrough the tubing around the outside of said obstructive device, said mandrel Ahaving a longitudinally extending opening for permitting a flow of fluid through said obstructive device, and means for restricting and stopping said fluid flow, at will, comprising a detachable and interchangeable bushing disposed in the longitudinal opening of the mandrel and having a bore of'smaller area than said opening and a normally open pressure closed valve element detachably mounted on said mandrelin cooperative relation to said bushing.

17. In a Well tool including an obstructive device having means for connecting it with a Awire line running device for running it into and out of a well, the combination of a mandrel including affrusto-conical section and an integral axially alined cylindrical section, an expansible pipe engaging element slidable longitudinally on said conical section, a carrier slidable longitudinally on said cylindrical section, means suspendingly connecting said carrier and said expansible pipe engaging` element', said pipe engaging element being adapted under relative longitudinal movement between the mandrel and said carrier to be t expanded by said conical section into anchoring engagementwith the-inner surface of the well tubing, packing means between the mandrel and the said inner surface of the tubing to prevent passage of fluid through the tubing around the outside of said obstructive device, said mandrel having a longitudinally extending opening for permitting a flow of iluid through said obstructive device, a valve seat at one end of the longitudinal opening in the mandrel, a valve adapted to be seated on said valve seat, and a cap having an opening and located on said mandrel for maintaining said valve in operative relation to said seat. n

18.` An obstructive device for use in a well tubing having means for fconnecting it with a wire line running device, including a mandrel having a longitudinal bore extending from end to end thereof, a cylindrical section adjacent each of the respective ends of said mandrel, a frusto-conical section intermediate said cylindrical sections, an expansible pipe-engaging element on said frustoconical section, a carrier on one of said cylindrical sections, means operatively connecting said carrier with' said expansible pipe-engaging element, packing means carried by the other of said said cylindrical sections, means operatively con' CII ing a longitudinal bore extending from end to end thereof, a cylindrical section 'adjacent each of the respective ends of said mandrel, a frustoconical section intermediate said cylindrical sections, an expansible pipe-eelement on said frusto-conical section, a carrier on one of necting saidcarrier with said expansible pipeengaging element, a collar on the carrier-supporting cylindrical section-for retaining said carrier Aon said cylindrical section, packing means carried by the other of said cylindrical sections, and detachable and interchangeable means for restricting the uid iiow through said longitudinal bore of the mandrel. x

20. An obstructive device for use in a well tubing having means for connecting it with a wire line running device, including a mandrel having a longitudinal bore extending from end to end thereoia cylindrical section adjacent each of the respective ends of said mandrel, a frusto-conical section intermediate said cylindrical sections, an expansible pipe-engaging element on said frustoconical section, a carrier on one of said cylindrical sections, means operatively connecting said carrier with said expansible pipe-engaging element, packing means carried by the other of said cylindricalsections, a valve seat at the-lower end of the bore of the mandrel, a ball valve adapted to be seated in said valve seat to seal the bore of the mandrel against upward flow therethrough, and

` `an apertured cap on the said mandrel providing a chamber for said ball valve.

21. An obstructive device for use within the bore of a flow string of tubing in a well having means for connecting it with a wire line running device,

said obstructive devicev including a mandrel freely movable within and with respect to said tubing and comprising a frusto-conical section arranged with the smaller end thereof uppermost, a cylindrical section formed integral with and projecting upwardly from the said smaller end of said frustoy conical section, radially expansible pipe-engaging ,means freely movable on and longitudinally of said truste-conical section, a carrier for and operatively connected to said pipe-engaging means and freely slidably mounted on said cylindrical section, said carrier having provision for the attachment thereto of a withdrawing tool, and radially expansible packing means on said mandrel below said pipe-engaging means and ar-l ranged to be expanded into sealing contact with the inner surface of the tubing and to move said mandrel upwardly with respect to said pipeengaging means to expand the same into anchoring engagement with the inner surface of the tubing by uid pressure trapped in the string oi tubing by and below said obstructive device, said mandrel having a longitudinal bore therethrough, and means detachably and interchangeably applied to said mandrel for restricting the flow through the bore of the mandrel.

22. An obstructive device for use within the bore of a flow string of tubing in a well having means for connecting it with a wJre `line running device, said obstructive device including, a mandrel freely movable within and with respect to said tubing and comprising a frusto-conical section, ar-

. ranged with the smaller end thereof uppermost,

a cylindrical section formed integral with and projecting upwardly from the said smaller end of said frusto-conical section, radially expansible pipeengaging means freely movable on and long itudinally of said frusta-conical section, a carrier for and operatively connected to said pipe-engaging means and freely slidably mounted on said cylindrical section, said carrier having an external annular undercut shoulder for the engagement of a withdrawing tool, means on the upper`end of.

said cylindrical section for limiting the upward movement of said carrier on said cylindrical section, and radially expansible packing means onr saidmandrel below said pipe-engaging means and arranged to be expanded into sealing contact with the inner surface ofthe tubing and to move said mandrel upwardly with respect to said pipe-engaging means to expand the same into anchoring engagement with the'inner surface of the tubing by iluid pressure trapped in the string of tubing by and below said obstructive device, said mandrel having a longitudinal bore therethrough and means for restricting the flow of uid through the bore of the mandrel.

23. An obstructive device for use within the bore of a' ow string of tubing in a Well and having means for engagement with raising and lowering mechanism for removing the device from the tubing, said obstructive device including, a mandrel freely movable within and with respect to said tubing and comprising a. middle frusto-conical section arranged with the smaller end thereof uppermost, an upper cylindrical section formed integral with and projecting upwardly fromthe said smaller end of said frusto-conical section, radially expansible pipe-engaging means freely movable on and longitudinally of said frusta-conical section, a carrier for and operatively connected to said pipe-engaging means and freely slidably` mounted on said cylindrical section, said carrier having provision for the attachment of a Withdrawing tool, means on the upper end of said cylindrical section for limiting the upward movement of said'carrier on said cylindrical section, a lower cylindrical section formed integral with and projecting downwardly from the larger end of said frusta-conical section, and radially expansible packing means fixedly secured on the said lower cylindrical section of said mandrel below said radially expansible pipe-engaging means and arranged to be expanded into -sealing contact with the inner surface of the tubing and to move said mandrel upwardly with respect to said pipeengaging means to expand the latter into anchoring engagement with the inner surface of the tubing by fluid pressure trappedin the string of tubing by and below said obstructive device, said mandrel' having a longitudinal bore therethrough and means for restricting and stopping the flow of fluid through said bore, at will.

24. An obstructive device for use within the bore of a flow string of tubing in a well and having means for engagement with raising and lowering mechanism for removing the device from the tubing, said obstructive device including, a mandrel freely movable within and with respect to said tubing and comprising a frustoconical section arranged with the smaller end thereof uppermost, an upper cylindrical section formed vintegral with and projecting upwardly from the said smaller end of said frusto-conical section, radially expansible pipe-engaging means freely movable on and longitudinally of said frusto-conical section, a carrier for and operatively connected to said pipe-engaging means and freely slidably mounted on said cylindrical secthe vinner surface of the tubing and to. move said mandrel upwardly with respect to said pipeengaging means to expand the same into anchoring engagement with the inner surface of the tubing by fluid pressure trapped in the string of tubing by and below said obstructive device, said packing means comprising a plurality of relatively spaced inverted cup washers rhaving annu- .lar flanges projecting downwardly for trapping said uid pressure therebelow, said mandrel 'having a longitudinal bore therethrough and means for restricting the now of fluid through the bore of said mandrel and stopping the flow, at will.

25. An obstructive device for use in a well tubing having' means for connecting it with a wire line running device, including, a mandrel having sealing means, dogs associated with said mandrel `and expanded for engagement with the tubing by relative movement of the mandrel with relation thereto, and means for positioning and operatively setting the device in the well tubing comprising a jarring device andy means releasable by actuation of the jarring device operatively connecting the jarring device and mandrel.

26. An obstructive device for use in a well tubing having means for connecting it with a wire line running device, including, a mandrel having,

sealing means, dogs associated with said mandrel and expanded for engagement with the tubing by relative movement of thel mandrel with relation thereto, and means for positioning and operatively setting the device in the well tubing comprising a jarring device and means releasable by actuation of the jarring device operatively a connecting the jarring device and mandrel by direct engagement of the parts.

27. An obstructive device for use in a well tubing having means for.c onnecting it with a wire line running device, including, a mandrel having sealing means, dogs associated with said mandrel and expanded for engagement with the tubing by relative movement of the mandrel with relation thereto, and means for positioning and operatively setting the" device in the welltubing comprising a jarring device and means releasable by actuation of the jarring device operatively connecting the jarring device and mandrel, said means being connected with the dogs.y

o 28. An'obstructive device for use in a well tubing having means for connecting it with a wire line running device including, a tubular mandrel having sealing meansl for sealingvoi! the tubing, tubing engaging elements associated with said mandrel and arranged to be expanded for engagement withthe tubing by relative movement of said mandrel with relation to said tubing engaging elements Iwhereby to anchorthe device, a carrier suspendingly supporting said tubing engaging elements' and movable longitudinally on said mandrel, means on said mandrel for limiting the upward movement o! said carrier, an annular projection on said carrier, means for releasing and pulling said device from the tubing including 'an engaging element for engaging the annular projection of said carrier and moving the carrier longitudinally with respect to said mandrel, and means for nmning and setting said device, in the tubing on a wire line.

29. An obstructive device for use in a well tubing having means-'for connecting it with a wire 'line running device including a mandrel having a frusto-conical section and an integral axially alined cylindrical section, an expansible pipe-engaging element slidable longitudinally on said conical section, a" carrier slidable longitudinally on said cylindrical section, means operatiyely connecting saidcarrier and said expansible element, said pipe-engaging element being adapted 'a flow oi iluid through said obstructive device,

and mans for restricting the flow of fluid through the longitudinalopening oi the mandrel.

30. An obstructive device for use in a well tubing having means for connecting it with a wire line running device, including a mandrel having a longitudinal bore extending from end to end thereof, a cylindrical section adjacent each of the respective ends of said mandrel, a frusta-conical section intermediate said cylindrical sections, an expansible pipe-engaging element on said frustaconical section, a carrier on one of said cylindrical sections, means operatively connecting said carrier with said expansible pipe-engaging element, a collar on the carrier-supporting cylindrical section for retaining said carrieron said cylindrical section, packing means carried by the other of-said cylindrical sections, and a pressure operated valve cooperatively mounted on the mandrel for sealing the bore thereof against an 

